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Explanation for:
Matthew
20
:
29
And when they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In Jericho, there were numerous bandits who frequently harmed and killed travelers on their way to and from Jerusalem. The Lord, accompanied by His disciples, went to Jericho to relieve the afflicted from their anguish and to attract a great multitude to Him. As they prepared to depart from Jericho, a considerable crowd followed Him. Had He remained solely in Jerusalem without lowering Himself to the common people, the crowd would have continued to dwell in darkness and the shadow of death to this day. However, there were also two blind men situated by the roadside. He referred to them as blind because they could not yet affirm, \\"In Thy light we shall see light\\" (Ps. 35:10)—or in the New Synodal Russian translation: \\"In Thy light we see light.\\" They were positioned along the path, seemingly knowledgeable of the law, yet lacking awareness of the true way, which is Christ. Some interpret these figures as representing the Pharisees and Sadducees, while others see them as embodying both Old and New Covenant individuals, since both groups, whether adhering to the written law or natural law, remained blind without Christ. These blind men, unable to see for themselves, heard the jubilant acclaim directed at Christ and acknowledged Him as the Son of David. If these blind men are not recognized as part of the Jewish community, then the subsequent passage, \\"The crowd kept them silent\\" (New Synodal Russian Translation: \\"The people kept them silent\\"), should be viewed in the context of the Gentiles, to whom the Apostle advises humility and caution against prideful arrogance (Rom. 11:16-21). Although grafted from the wild olive tree into the cultivated olive tree, they should not envy the salvation of the original branch. \\"Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!\\" (according to the new Synodal Russian translation: \\"Have mercy on us, Son of David!\\"). Despite the crowd's attempts to silence them, the blind men cried out even louder, demonstrating their fervent desire for the true light."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Observe the path that the Savior takes to Jerusalem, as well as His prior journey; this deserves careful consideration. Why did He not travel straight to Galilee but instead through Samaria? Let us set aside this curiosity for now, as the Evangelist John offers adequate reasoning for it. For the moment, we will focus on the ensuing events and listen to the aforementioned blind men, who possessed insight greater than that of many who could see. Lacking a guide and unable to see the Lord approaching, they nonetheless bore a profound desire to reach Him and began to shout. Despite being silenced by strangers, their cries grew even louder. This illustrates the strength of the soul! Obstacles only serve to propel it toward its destination. Moreover, Christ did not silence them; He allowed their fervor to shine through, so you would understand that they were deserving of healing. Unlike others, He did not question them, “Do you believe?” Their cries and eagerness to approach Him exhibited their faith unmistakably. Therefore, dear ones, realize that no matter how insignificant or disregarded we may feel, if we earnestly seek God, we can confidently ask Him for our needs. Notice how these blind men, without a single apostle alongside them and despite many discouraging voices, overcame every barrier to reach Jesus Himself. Although the evangelist does not affirm that their lives guaranteed their boldness, their single-minded determination sufficed. Let us aspire to emulate these blind men. Even if God delays in sending us His gifts, and many attempt to dissuade us from prayer, let us remain steadfast in our supplications; through this, we will surely find favor with God. Here, we also see that neither poverty, blindness, the belief that they would not be heard, nor the admonishments of the crowd could deter them. Such is the nature of a fervent and perseverant spirit!"},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The Lord responded to their faith by restoring their sight. Upon reflection, He had previously healed those who were spiritually ill, deaf, and even dead; now, He brings healing to those who are spiritually blind. The eyes of their hearts remain shut. Thus, Jesus passes by, calling us to cry out to Him. What does it signify that Jesus walks by? His presence is temporary, coming to us only for a brief moment. What does it mean for Jesus to pass by? He completes His work as He moves along. Consider how much of what He accomplished has already transpired. He was born of the Virgin Mary—does His birth continue? As a baby, He was nurtured at His mother's breast—does He still require this sustenance? He experienced all the stages of human development—does He continue to grow physically? From infancy to childhood, from childhood to adolescence, and then to the fullness of manhood. Moreover, even the miracles He performed have become part of the past; today, we read and believe them. They are documented in a way that allows for reflection, but when they transpired in history, they were fleeting, as all time-bound events are. If we focus on the key moments, He was crucified—does He remain eternally affixed to the cross? He was laid in the tomb, rose again, and ascended into heaven. He now conquers death; it has no dominion over Him (Rom. 6:9). His divine nature endures forever, and the immortality of His body is everlasting. Nevertheless, what He accomplished in time has become part of history; this is recorded for reading, preaching, and believing. In all of this, ‘Jesus goes by.’"},{"author-name":"Epiphanius of Pavia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"In the book of Genesis, we learn that the righteous man Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Together, they entered the ark during the Great Flood and became the ancestors of various nations spread across the world. Notably, from Noah's first son, Shem, came the patriarch Abraham, from whom the entire Jewish people trace their lineage, for better or worse. Meanwhile, the other two sons gave rise to other nations. The two blind men symbolize Noah's other sons. They recognized Jesus as He walked by, illustrating that the Gentiles came to faith in the Savior not through sight, like the Jews, but through hearing. To pass by signifies a transition from one group to another. He moved from the Jews to the Gentiles, as the Lord declared: \\"For judgement I have come into this world, that they which do not see may see, and they which see may become blind\\" (John 9:39)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jericho: At the time, Jericho was a significant Jewish city located approximately 20 versts to the north-east of Jerusalem and 7 versts west of the Jordan River, enriched with sacred memories for the Jewish people. Nearby, the Israelites made a miraculous crossing of the Jordan River during their journey from Egypt into the land of Canaan (Num. 3:16). This city marked the first miraculous conquest by the Israelites post-crossing (Num. 6:20). It later became the hub of prophetic schools (2 Kings 2:5), where the prophet Elisha performed a miracle, restoring the waters that had previously been bitter (2 Kings 2:21). Jericho was once known as ‘the city of palm trees’ due to the numerous palm trees flourishing in its vicinity (Judg. 1:16, Judg. 3:13, 2 Chron. 28:15). The area surrounding the city, located on a plain encircled by majestic mountains, was notably beautiful, boasting lush vegetation and a favorable climate. However, toward Jerusalem lay a rocky and desolate wilderness, infested with wild animals and bandits, making the route to the sacred city perilous (cf. Luke 10:30 ff.). Today, this area is represented by the small impoverished Arab village of Riha. - A great crowd: The Lord was often in the company of a large crowd, and at this time, there was an especially significant gathering due to the approaching Passover feast, attracting multitudes of worshippers in Jerusalem. Typically, Galilean pilgrims avoided the direct route through Samaria because of the animosity between Jews and Samaritans, opting instead to travel along the eastern bank of the Jordan. They would cross the river near Jericho and proceed to Jerusalem either through the city or along the so-called Jericho road. It was only natural for a large crowd to gather around the Divine Miracle Worker as He journeyed this way to the feast."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord made His way to Jerusalem, passing through the town of Jericho. In this place, He extended His grace to Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector; He also restored sight to a blind man as He entered the city and healed two others as He departed. As St. Matthew recounts, \\"WHEN THEY WENT OUT OF JERICHO, HE WAS FOLLOWED BY A LOT OF PEOPLE.\\" Jericho marked the final stop before reaching Jerusalem; a journey of about twenty-five versts ahead lay through the wilderness, a region where many robbers hid in caves and ravines, preying on solitary travelers. Consequently, those traveling to Jerusalem from Jericho usually did so in groups or caravans. Additionally, many individuals from Galilee passed through Jericho, as the direct route via Samaria was deemed undesirable due to the longstanding animosity between the Samaritans and the Hebrews."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Healing of the Blind in Jericho\\n\\nAfter sharing this parable, Jesus continued His journey toward Jerusalem, where the miraculous healing of the blind occurred, as recounted by the Gospel writers Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Their accounts differ somewhat, necessitating a direct citation: \\n\\nMatthew 20:29-30 states, “As they were leaving Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men who were sitting by the roadside, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, began to cry out, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David.’” \\n\\nMark 10:46 notes, “They came to Jericho. And as He was going out of Jericho with His disciples and a multitude of people, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, a blind man, was sitting by the roadside, asking for alms.” \\n\\nLuke 18:35 mentions, “As He approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside, asking for alms.” \\n\\nThus, Matthew and Mark indicate that the healing occurred as Jesus left Jericho, while Luke suggests it happened at the entrance as Jesus came near the city. According to Bishop Michael, the Greek term \\"eggidzein,\\" utilized by Luke, indicates proximity to a location from any direction. Therefore, Luke's words could be interpreted as meaning that the healing transpired when He was near Jericho. Thus, there is no conflict between Luke’s account and those of Matthew and Mark regarding the location of the miracle.\\n\\nHowever, a discrepancy remains regarding the number of blind men involved. Matthew states that Jesus healed two blind men, whereas Mark and Luke refer to one. This situation presents a similar dilemma encountered when examining their accounts of the healing of the demoniacs in the land of the Gadarene, reflecting observations made by John Chrysostom. \\n\\nWith regard to the healing of the blind, it may be inferred that Matthew’s account indeed speaks of two individuals, but one of them—Bartimaeus—had gained such renown that Mark identifies him by name. It’s plausible that Bartimaeus’ loud cries drowned out those of the other blind man, leading to his prominence in the narratives penned by Mark and Luke. Nonetheless, the absence of mention of the other blind man in their accounts does not undermine Matthew’s assertion that two blind men were present.\\n\\nFrom the perspective of the Evangelists, the act of healing performed by Jesus was significant, warranting their focus on the miracle itself rather than the exact number of those healed. They aimed to highlight the greatness of the healing rather than to tally the individuals involved. \\n\\nThus, it can be acknowledged that as Jesus was exiting Jericho, the two blind men who sat by the roadside, begging, were stirred by the commotion of the crowd. Inquiring about the source of the noise, they learned it was Jesus approaching. Having surely heard of His wonders and some proclaiming Him as the awaited Messiah, they seized the moment to seek healing, raising their voices to cry out, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”"},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As Christ journeyed with His disciples toward the city, an extraordinary miracle occurred at its entrance, intended to relieve human suffering. There sat two beggars at the gate, one of whom was named Bartimaeus, pleading for mercy from those who passed by. They anticipated a generous response from the worshipers, but they were unaware of the incredible blessing that was about to unfold. Upon hearing the commotion of a particularly excited crowd, they realized that Jesus of Nazareth was among them, a figure known for His miraculous deeds throughout the land. This knowledge sparked a hopeful fervor within them, and in that moment, they set aside their usual requests and began to shout, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’"},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the Lord Jesus Christ departed from Jericho en route to Jerusalem, a large crowd accompanied Him. The number of His followers grew with those journeying to the Passover feast, hailing not only from the nearby areas but also from distant Galilee. Historically, the relationship between Jews and Samaritans had been marked by significant hostility, as noted in Luke 9:52 and John 4:9. Consequently, the Galileans, wary of potential confrontations, opted against the shorter path through Samaria, choosing instead a longer but safer route along the Jordan region. After crossing the Jordan, they united with fellow worshippers in Jericho. This flourishing city, adorned with palm trees, provided a resting place for the pilgrims before their final leg to Jerusalem. Their journey next took them through the rugged wilderness of Jericho, where numerous caves and crevices offered shelter to robbers who preyed on solitary travelers, as exemplified in Luke 10:30."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The narratives of this occurrence by the Gospel writers exhibit two notable distinctions. First, Matthew recounts the healing of two blind individuals, whereas Mark and Luke mention only one. Secondly, while Matthew and Mark indicate that the event transpired as Jesus was departing the city, Luke asserts that it occurred during His entry. It is evident that there indeed were two men who received healing; however, in the apostolic tradition, the name of one, Bartimaeus, is notably preserved, leading to the event being connected with just him in some early accounts. \\n\\nThe second discrepancy can be readily understood by considering the event as consisting of two distinct moments in time and place. Initially, the blind men called out to the Lord for healing as He entered the city. However, testing their faith, the Lord did not respond at that moment. Later, as He was leaving the city, they once more cried out to Him, and this time the Lord summoned them to Him and restored their sight. The details of the healing narrative exhibit a harmonious complementarity among the Evangelists. \\n\\nWhen the blind men heard the crowd passing by, they inquired about the cause of the commotion, as recorded in Luke. Upon learning that it was Jesus of Nazareth, they began to shout for mercy, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” The crowd attempted to silence them, likely because they were eager to listen to Jesus' teaching. Nevertheless, the blind men persisted, continuing to call out for the Lord’s compassion. Eventually, Jesus called them over, and those nearby encouraged them, saying, “Do not be afraid, get up; He is calling you.” This assurance sparked confidence in the blind men that healing was forthcoming. Eager to reach their Healer more swiftly, they discarded their outer robes for ease of movement. Upon learning their request, the Lord touched their eyes, affirming, “Go, your faith has saved you.” Immediately, their sight was restored, and they followed Jesus, glorifying God."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the Lord and His disciples journeyed through Jericho, accompanied by a large crowd and situated approximately six hours from Jerusalem, a voice emerged among them. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” called a blind beggar known as Bartimaeus. The beggar appealed directly to the esteemed title of Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of David, the Anointed One. However, the crowd, with their own notions of the Messiah's significance and misunderstanding His mission with His disciples, rebuked the blind man for his persistent pleas. Undeterred, Bartimaeus continued to cry out, “Son of David, have mercy on me.” Eventually, Jesus halted and directed that the man be brought to Him. Inquiring about his request, Jesus restored the beggar's sight."}]}
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